A26982:116
Richard Baxter's penitent confession and his necessary vindication in answer to a book called…
Richard Baxter's penitent confession and his necessary vindication in answer to a book called The second part of the mischiefs of separation, written by an unnamed author with a preface to Mr. Cantianus D. Minimis, in answer to his letter which extorted this publication.
London: printed for Tho. Parkhurst, 1691
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
XII. Though I ever disliked the Censorious and Separating Spirit, that run into Extremes against Conformity, yet I Repent that I did no more sharply reprove it: But because almost all the people where I came to preach that were not mere Worldlings, but seemed to be seriously Religious, were either against Conformity, or wished it removed for the Divisions which it caused, I overmuch valued their Esteem and Love, because I loved their serious piety; and having sometimes (but very seldom) spoken against the Corruptions of the Church Government, specially the Silencing of Ministers▪ I can scarce tell to this day, whether I did well or ill; more good by telling Men what to lament and pray against, or more hurt by heartening those that were apt overmuch to Censure Government and the Orders of the Church. But I beg God to forgive what was amiss.
XII. Though I ever disliked the Censorious and Separating Spirit, that run into Extreams against Conformity, yet I Repent that I did no more sharply reprove it: But because almost all the people where I came to preach that were not meer VVorldlings, but seemed to be seriously Religious, were either against Conformity, or wish'd it removed for the Divisions which it caused, I overmuch valued their Esteem and Love, because I loved their serious piety; and having sometimes (but very seldom) spoken against the Corruptions of the Church Government, specially the Silencing of Ministers▪ I can scarce tell to this day, whether I did well or ill; more good by telling Men what to lament and pray against, or more hurt by heartening those that were apt overmuch to Censure Government and the Orders of the Church. But I beg God to forgive what was amiss.
XIII. Though I desired such a frame of Episcopal Government as Sir Edward Deering offered, or as since Archbishop Usher hath described as Primitive, yet out of the sense of the evil that Silencers and Persecutors ⟨p. 11⟩had done, I too much rejoiced when the Tidings came that the Prelacy was Voted down, not knowing then what would be set up, nor well what to desire: For neither Presbytery nor Independency had been then debated, or were well understood.